Higher Apprenticeship Development in Advanced Manufacturing

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1 Higher Apprenticeship Development in Advanced Manufacturing The Institution of Engineering and Technology The IET Apprenticeship Conference 17 th October BIS Conference Centre: 1 Victoria Street London

2 Higher Apprenticeship in Advanced Manufacturing Conation feedback PhD 8 Masters Degree 7 (Chartered Engineer) (Incorporated Engineer) Honours Degree HND, Foundation Degree 6 5 Competitive Need Higher Apprenticeship 4,5 & 6 HNC 4 A Level, National Diploma 3 Advanced Apprenticeship (Eng Tech) GCSE 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship 1

3 Higher Apprenticeship in Advanced Manufacturing Semta was commissioned by NAS to lead the manufacturing Sector Skills Councils on the development of a new high level apprenticeship framework, which will be available from April 2012 Semta s aim is to develop a framework that will provide a flexible, employer led training solution to support the development of higher level skills in new and existing technology areas Semta is working in partnership in partnership with large employers and their supply chains to develop an appropriate framework A consultation was undertaken to obtain feedback on the proposed model

4 Higher Apprenticeship in Advanced Manufacturing Basic Architecture Levels 4,5 & 6 (Proposed model) Framework components Level 4 Level 5 Level 6 Competence NVQ 4 or QCF diploma NVQ 5 or QCF diploma UK Specification plus NVQ4 for inexperienced academic entrants Knowledge HNC,HND or Foundation degree Combined Combined Level 4 Comp/Knowledge Transferrable skills Functional Skills/Key Skills Level 2 or 3 HND, BTEC Level 5 equivalent or Foundation degree Combined Level 5 Comp/Knowledge *Functional Skills/Key Skills Level 2 or 3 Hons Degree or EDEXCEL Level 6 Comp/Knowledge Combined qualification *Functional Skills/Key Skills Level 2 or 3 PLTS Personal Learning and Thinking Skills *Personal Learning and Thinking Skills *Personal Learning and Thinking Skills ERR Employment Responsibilities and Rights *Employment Responsibilities and Rights *Employment Responsibilities and Rights Entry Requirements STEM A levels, Advanced /Apprenticeship STEM A levels A-C, Advanced /Apprenticeship Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship or other Duration Variable Variable Variable Exit/ Outcomes Inc UK spec Level 4 framework Eng Tech Level 5 framework Eng Tech + building to I Eng Level 6 framework I Eng status * If completed at a previous level, ignore

5 Highlights of consultation feedback What characteristics should the framework have? Should the framework be *SASE/W compliant, especially at Levels 4 & 5 (this would guarantee funding support)? Yes, this is especially important for SMEs as they need funding support Are exit/completion points at Level required? Yes, there should be certification points at each Level of the programme, the concept being that participants may complete each Level independently before proceeding Level 4 NVQs are developed and accredited, other SSCs have Level 5 NVQs, although may not have the infrastructure in place to support them. Is Level 5 necessary in engineering? Employer feedback indicated there could be some advantages to developing an NVQ Level 5 qualification if this was of a technical nature with multiple pathways, however an NVQ Level 4 solution was preferred, Level 5 was felt to be a longer term requirement *Specification for Apprenticeship Standards for England /Wales (SASE/W)

6 Consultation feedback What characteristics should the framework have? cont At Level 6 the competence element cannot be an NVQ Level 6 because none exist, however initial feedback from employers suggests the UK-Standard of Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC) should be used to measure competence. Would you endorse this? Yes, however for entrants with only academic experience the NVQ Level 4 Extended Diploma in Engineering Leadership should be used as a vehicle to provide the necessary competence delivery Should the time scale or duration of the framework be variable to fit different employer requirements i.e. 3, 4 and 5 years? Employers will require variable time scales We expect SMEs to use the Level 4 pathway predominantly. Do you think the knowledge elements of HNC, HND and Foundation degree will be acceptable? Most employers and training providers felt that these knowledge qualifications would suffice

7 Consultation feedback Consultation feedback What characteristics should the framework have? cont We expect some SMEs will want to train apprentices to Level 6. Because of the nature of their businesses do you think that a BTEC Level 6 qualification rather than a degree covering all general aspects of advanced manufacturing would be valuable? Yes, it would be valuable, but only if it is to the same weight and value of a formal degree there should be no dumbing down below degree level Employers will expect flexible delivery across all aspects of the framework including attendance. Would block release rather than day release be preferred? Flexible delivery is a must Would you endorse a clear up-front pricing policy for employers and learners? Employers, especially SMEs want to know the cost liability of each programme

8 Higher Apprenticeship in Advanced Manufacturing Other comments and observations made at the consultations The title Advanced Manufacturing may put off pure engineering companies, it should be called the Higher Apprenticeship in Advanced Engineering / Manufacture Success or failure rotates around finding appropriate training providers and training facilities locally, especially for SMEs Level 4 Engineering Leadership needs more technical pathways Careers advice and guidance is seen as critical to persuade young people to participate, especially in the context of SMEs Semta to redevelop its Underground map to include these pathways A minimum duration for completion of each level and pathway is required, not a maximum (quality assurance) Particular SME issues: Recognition of prior achievement is essential as many similar unofficial schemes are already in place and running Funding arrangements must be completely transparent and up-front Training must be delivered flexibly to meet SME needs (locally available wherever possible) There needs to be a wide choice of technical certificates HNCs and FDs available at level 4

9 Higher Apprenticeship in Advanced Manufacturing Summary of the Requirements of the framework Clear progression routes allowing apprentices to enter at an appropriate academic/vocational level and progress through Levels 4,& 6 Appropriate exit/certification points are required at Levels 4,& 6 Apprentices to undertake a mixture of academic and vocational skills learning, both on-the-job and off-the-job within an employment context Apprenticeship programmes to be SASE/W compliant, formally accredited by the appropriate professional institutions and funded by the relevant institutions SfA /WAG, HEFCE/HEFCW Framework structure to be specified in route pathways to reflect different business needs Framework to encompass additional employer requirements such as B-IT etc. where specified in the route pathways More technical pathways within the competence element are desirable Level 4 & 6 pathways endorsed Flexibility via UK spec for Level 6 endorsed

10 Higher Apprenticeship in Advanced Manufacturing Basic Architecture Levels 4, & 6 (Proposed model) Framework components Level 4 Level 6 Competence Knowledge Combined Transferrable skills PLTS ERR NVQ 4 or QCF diploma HNC,HND or Foundation degree N/A Functional Skills/Key Skills Level 2 or 3 Personal Learning and Thinking Skills Employment Responsibilities and Rights UK Specification plus NVQ4 for inexperienced academic entrants Hons Degree or EDEXCEL Level 6 Comp/Knowledge Combined qualification N/A *Functional Skills/Key Skills Level 2 or 3 *Personal Learning and Thinking Skills *Employment Responsibilities and Rights Entry Requirements STEM A levels, Advanced /Apprenticeship Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship or other Duration Variable Variable Exit/ Outcomes inc UK spec Level 4 framework Eng Tech Level 6 framework Incorporated Engineer * If completed at a previous level, ignore

11 Higher Apprenticeship in Advanced Manufacture diagram Engineering Council UK Spec within Level 6 Apprentice (or provider) claims an Apprenticeship certificate (from the SSC electronically) having achieved all the Apprenticeship Framework requirements Apprentice is awarded I.Eng or advised of how to address any shortfall When previous stage completed, the Apprentice is invited to attend a Professional Review Interview Professional Engineering Institution approves the Higher Apprenticeship Framework (AMHA) At either of these stages the Apprentice may be advised of any shortfall, and the Apprentice can address this Apprentice registers on AMHA level 6 Apprenticeship Framework Apprentice applies for membership and joins an appropriate professional engineering institution Apprentices submits I. Eng application to the Institution. The Institution reviews the application. It may request further details of experience or other evidence Institution allocate a mentor and supplies any related information, plus access to Prof Dev record system where available The Apprentice accumulates relevant evidence against the UK-SPEC (I.Eng) competence requirements through their working experience and the vocational qualification element of their programme. The mentor provides advice on how to keep an appropriate record of this and, in due course, on completing the application for I.Eng

12 Higher Apprenticeship in Advanced Manufacturing Basic Architecture Levels 4, & 6 Level 4 Pathways Level 6 Pathways Aerospace Nuclear Related Technology Mechanical Electrical / Electronics Maintenance Automotive Wind Generation Marine Research and Development : Space Rail Aerospace Nuclear related Technology Mechanical Electrical /Electronics Maintenance Automotive

13 Richards Review Where next? Richard Review recommendations: responsive to employer needs focus on SMEs focus on new entrants to job roles simplified process easier for young people and employers industry standard defined at high level emphasis on outcomes professional recognition independent evaluation end testing rather than ongoing assessment English and Maths content defined minimum levels trail blazer leading to mainstream activity

14 Richards Review Where next? Principles of the Standard as defined by UKCES and BIS: the Standard developed by employers high level approach to Assessment simplify system (short and easy to understand standard) standard will replace current frameworks over time needs to be stretching (at least one year!!!) 2/3 of assessment must be at the end of the programme English and Maths content at level 2 minimum off-the-job hours =20% grading of apprenticeship; Pass, Merit or Distinction

15 Apprenticeship Trailblazers Semta working with Aerospace and Automotive Sectors 2 page high level standard to be developed transferability of the Standard from large employer to SME broad based foundation training at level 2 vocational qualification at level 3 underpinned by NOS academic qualification at a level to provide stretch (20%) plus 4 GCSEs on entry A* to C including Maths English and Science thus eliminating the need for Maths and English employer sign off to ensure the that apprentice has met the Standard certificate of apprenticeship issued by Semta standard should be accepted across the devolved nations additional employer requirements should be written into the standard grading of apprenticeships

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